Posts Tagged ‘Oglebay Good Zoo’

The Good Zoo is offering an African safari to Tanzania, East Africa in November of 2015. The trip will include some of the best wildlife spotting on the continent. An informative meeting will be held at the Good Zoo on Sat., March 7 at 10 am to answer questions about the trip.

The Oglebay Good Zoo is presenting a free “Wildlife Adventure Travel Program” open to the public, on Saturday, March 7, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Good Zoo. The program will preview a unique, zoo-sponsored African safari to Tanzania, East Africa in November of 2015. The program features a detailed presentation about the trip, which are led by professional wildlife guides and accompanied by Good Zoo staff hosts.

The trip will focus on exploration of exceptional wildlife, plant life and ecosystems. Beautiful photographs from Tanzania will be shown by Penny Miller, an experienced African traveler and zoo host.

“This is truly a trip of a lifetime,” said Mindi White, Curator of Animals for the Good Zoo. “We love taking people to remote corners of the world to view wildlife up close, and to interact with local people. This trip is both a nature and cultural experience, and a photographer’s paradise.”

The travel presentation will discuss costs, itineraries, packing tips, and will include light refreshments and a question and answer time.

Beautiful photographs from Tanzania will be shown by Penny Miller, an experienced African traveler and zoo host, shown here on a previous trip.

“You will get to speak with people who have traveled on these trips in the past, so even if you are just mildly curious, please come to the presentation,” White added. “The trip is filling up fast, so please come and join our program!”

The Good Zoo requests an RSVP to White at 304-243-4029 or by email at mwhite@oglebay-resort.com. Trip details can also be found at www.oglebay-resort.com/goodzoo

Penny Miller, center, is retiring as the Director of the Good Zoo. She and Rod Haley, left, Vice President of Operations, and John Hargleroad, Director of Operations, proudly display the plaque announcing the zoo’s most recent accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Penny Miller, Director of the Good Zoo at Oglebay, is set to retire on January 17, 2015. Miller has been director of the Good Zoo since 1994. She began her zoo career at the Pittsburgh Zoo Society in 1971, and in 1974 she moved to Oglebay to assist with construction of the new Good Zoo. As general curator for 15 years, Miller managed the animal collection and keeper staff, and the education department. Under Miller’s guidance the Good Zoo moved from a collection of common North American species to a concentration of breeding rare and endangered species from around the world. “The Good Zoo curators have produced more than 20 endangered red wolves pups; Grevy’s zebra, African Wild dogs, hundreds of hellbender salamanders, tamarin monkeys, and other rare and endangered species,” said Miller.

The Good Zoo was named in memory of Phillip Mayer Good, through the support of thousands of community residents and the Laurence Good Family of Wheeling. It is West Virginia’s only AZA accredited zoo.

“Conservation and education have always been keystones of Good Zoo mission,” said Miller “I believe the Good Zoo is a crucial community asset that connects children and adults to wildlife through interactive, changing animal exhibits, creative education programs for preschoolers through adults, and adventurous international wildlife travel.”

Miller has led Good Zoo trips to the Galapagos, several Eastern and Southern countries in Africa, and will be on the zoo’s November 2105 African safari to Tanzania. Miller also plans to continue teaching Master Naturalist classes including one in February. The Master Naturalist curriculum was developed by the West Virginia Division of Wildlife to develop citizen scientists and naturalists across the state, and classes are held throughout the year at the Good Zoo.

John Hargleroad, Director of Operations, said Miller’s contributions to the zoo are beyond measure. “How do you measure the many ways she changed the lives of guests, staff, interns and docents? Under her leadership a little zoo in Wheeling, West Virginia is helping to save over 20 endangered species and at the same time helping the public better understand and appreciate the diversity and importance of each species life,” said Hargleroad.

“Penny also spearheaded many creative and entertaining events including the Good Zoo Lights Up for You and Farm Days that have grown to become the Winter Festival of Lights, and also the Ohio County Country Fair,” Hargleroad continued. “It’s impossible to know many lives have been touched by those events.”

“While she will be missed by many, I suspect I will miss her the most,” added Hargleroad.

Ryan Auber (left) and Cody Auber are ready for Boo at the Zoo at the Oglebay Good Zoo on October 10-12, October 17-19 & October 24-26. Advance tickets will only be available online at www.oglebay-resort.com/goodzoo.

Boo at the Zoo, an annual fundraiser at the Oglebay Good Zoo, is three weekends: October 10 through 12, October 17 through 19 and October 24 through 26, and online tickets are now available for the popular event.

“Save time and money by purchasing your tickets online in advance of the event,” said Penny Miller, director of the Good Zoo. “Online tickets will also be the fastest way to enter Boo at the Zoo.”

Miller added that no advance tickets will be sold at the Good Zoo. “Advance tickets will only be available online at our website: www.oglebay-resort.com/goodzoo.”

Miller also said that Sunday nights typically have the shortest wait time to get in the door and that visitors don’t need to bring treat bags or containers as the zoo staff will only put candy in the treat bags provided at the zoo.

Prices for Boo at the Zoo are $6.25 for advance online tickets. Good Zoo members advance online tickets are $5.30. Both advance ticket prices are plus tax and handling fees. All tickets sold at the gate are $9.00 plus tax, and there is no member discount or any other discounts at the gate. The Spooky Special Halloween-themed train ride is$2.50 per ride.No advance sale tickets are available for the train ride.

Boo at the Zoo hours are 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday nights and 4:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday nights.

“Put on your costume and join us for our annual Boo at the Zoo celebration!” said Miller. “The event is the zoo’s largest and most important fundraiser to support the day to day operations of the Good Zoo, and a great opportunity to dress up and visit the zoo after dark! And remember, the Dinosaurs will be here so this year’s Boo at the Zoo will be extra special!” added Miller.

“Drool in the Pool” returns this year to close out the Labor Day weekend activities on Mon, Sept 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. Other favorites returning for the Labor Day weekend are Wheeling Symphony’s “Music Under the Stars,” Fort Henry Days, the Woodcarver’s Show & inflatable rides. Fireworks will follow the symphony’s concert on Sun Aug 31.

An exciting Labor Day Weekend Celebration is planned at Oglebay on Saturday, August 30, Sunday, August 31 and Monday, September 1. “The most-anticipated event, Wheeling Symphony’s free performance, ‘Music Under the Stars’, will take place on Sunday,” said John Hargleroad, Director of Operations for the Wheeling Park Commission. The Wheeling Symphony’s performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and a brilliant fireworks display will take place at the amphitheater at the conclusion of the symphony.

A Labor Day weekend favorite, “Fort Henry Days”, returns to Levenson Shelter/Site One at Oglebay on Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both days. A battle reenactment will be held at Camp Russel at 3:00 p.m. on both days.

The Oglebay Woodcarver’s Show, another long-time favorite Labor Day event, will be held at the Pine Room on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The show features sales, demonstrations and exhibits.

Hargleroad noted that there is no admission to the Wheeling Symphony performance, Fort Henry Days and the Woodcarver’s Show, although donations are appreciated at the Woodcarver’s Show.

Inflatable rides and a rock-climbing wall will be at the Schenk Lake area on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. each day.

Daily Activity Wristbands will be available at the Good Zoo and Visitors Center all three days. The wristbands provide all day use at the Par III Golf, Good Zoo and Train Ride, Miniature Golf, Pedal Boats, Fishing, Outdoor Pool, Tennis, Glass Museum, Trolley, and the Mansion Museum. The wristbands are $16.00 each plus applicable fees and taxes. One free ride on the inflatable rides is included with the purchase of a wristband.

“The Labor Day Weekend is a great time to visit the Good Zoo and see the Dinosaur Exhibit before it goes extinct!” said Penny Miller, Director of the Good Zoo. This special exhibit includes life-sized dinosaurs that move and roar.

The zoo opens daily at 10:00 a.m. and admission to the zoo is $9.00 for non-member adults and $5.75 for ages 3-12. Zoo members and ages 2 and under are free.

“Drool in the Pool” at the Oglebay Outdoor pool will return this year on Monday, September 1 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. “Dogs, like humans, can enjoy the refreshing water and exercise a public pool provides and many areas across the country allow dogs to swim in a public pool after the pool season is over,” said Hargleroad. “We are excited to offer this special dog swim when the outdoor pool closes for the season on Monday at 4:00 p.m.” There is no admission to “Drool in the Pool” and all dogs participating in the swim must have proof of a current rabies vaccination, and one human, aged 16 and above, is permitted in the pool with one dog. See below for additional rules for Drool in the Pool:

All owners must have proof of their dog’s current Rabies vaccination.

All dogs must be current on all other vaccinations: Parvovirus (CPV), Canine distemper virus (CDV), Canine adenovirus (CAV).

One human is permitted in the pool with one dog.

No human swimming – wading only.

No one under 16 may wade in the pool.

Participants who are pregnant or have compromised immune systems may not enter the pool.

No dogs or humans with open wounds may enter the pool.

Activity is confined to the shallow end of the pool.

Owners are responsible for any and all accidents and injury to their own dog.

The Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of summer activities at Oglebay and John Hargleroad, Director of Operations, says that all the Oglebay facilities will be open beginning Friday, May 23 with some special activities planned for the Memorial Day weekend.

Aqua Cycles and pedal boats will be one of the many activities available at Schenk Lake at Oglebay during the Memorial Day weekend. Inflatable rides and Doozy the Clown will also be at the lake Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26.

“The always-popular inflatable rides will be at the Schenk Lake area on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Doozy the Clown will also be at the lake area all three days from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.,” said Hargleroad.

Oglebay will begin offering daily activity wristbands on Friday, May 23. The wristbands are available at the Good Zoo and Visitors Center through Labor Day and provide all day use at the Par III Golf, Good Zoo and Train Ride, Miniature Golf, Pedal Boats, Fishing, Outdoor Pool, Tennis, Glass Museum, Trolley, and the Mansion Museum. “The wristbands will also provide one admission to the inflatable rides this weekend,” reminded Hargleroad. The wristbands are $16.00 each plus applicable fees and taxes.

New this year is a United States Flag Retirement Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 26. “The special ceremony will be conducted by American Legion Post #1 and the public is encouraged to bring US flags that are no longer serviceable to the ceremony,” said Hargleroad. The American Legion will ensure that the flags are properly disposed of with honor at a later date.

“It is interesting to note that American Legion Post #1 in Wheeling was the first American Legion Post established in the United States,” added Hargleroad. The Post was established by an act of congress in 1919.

The Memorial Day Weekend is also a great time to catch up with old friends at the Good Zoo and check out what’s new including the Dinosaur exhibit with all-new dinosaurs. “These lifelike dinosaurs are fitted with electric brains so they move and roar,” said Penny Miller, Director of the Good Zoo. Miller said most of the dinosaurs can be discovered in the woods near the Australian Exhibit but a couple of the dinosaurs are located in other areas of the zoo.

An all-new display of lifelike dinosaurs has arrived at the Good Zoo and will greet zoo visitors throughout the Memorial Day weekend.

“The Edmontonia has claimed the top of the wetlands waterfall as his prehistoric perch for the summer and the Suchomimus is located in the Wetlands,” added Miller. For a close up view of the Edmontonia Miller suggested a train ride but the creature can be seen and heard from the Wetlands.

The zoo is also accepting entries for the third annual “Capture the Wild” photography contest. “We have had a great response to our photography contests and are looking forward to this year’s entries,” said Miller. “We’ll be awarding some great prizes!” Contest rules and entry forms are available on the zoo’s website.

Miller also added that the zoo’s Animal Encounters programs are getting more and more popular. “This program allows guests to get into animal exhibits with the keepers to help feed and train some of the zoo’s animals including the lemurs, red pandas, river otters and kangaroos.” said Miller. The encounters must be scheduled in advance by calling 304-243-4030.

The Good Zoo is open daily at 10 am. Admission is $9.00 for adults, $5.75 for ages 3-12, and ages 2 & under and members are free.

The popular Segway Tours have also returned for another season. “Join our friendly guides for an exciting tour on a high tech personal transporter,” said Hargleroad. “It’s a great way to experience the picturesque natural beauty of Oglebay.” The tours begin at Schenk Lake at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Reservations for Segway Tours can be made by calling 304-243-4090.

The Summer Sunday Entertainment Series at the Amphitheater begins Sunday, May 25 with the Hit Play Band. A different band will be featured every Sunday through Labor Day.

The Hit Play Band will present a free concert at the Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater on Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. “This performance is the beginning of the Summer Sunday Entertainment Series featuring a different band every Sunday through Labor Day at the amphitheater,” added Hargleroad. The entire summer’s schedule is available on the Oglebay website.

“For those who want to celebrate the weekend with an all-American picnic, many beautiful picnic sites are available at Oglebay and can be reserved by calling 304-243-4010,” added Hargleroad.

The Seafood Gala is available at the Ihlenfeld Dining Room at Wilson Lodge on Friday evening and the new Chop House featuring apple-smoked Prime Rib, is offered on Saturday evening. For dining reservations call 304-243-4080.

An Amargasaurus and her baby can be found foraging in the woods near the Australian Exhibit at the Good Zoo at Oglebay. The zoo is featuring an all-new display of lifelike dinosaurs, all fitted with an electric brain, so they move and roar.

An all-new display of lifelike dinosaurs has arrived at the Good Zoo and will greet zoo visitors throughout the summer. “The dinosaurs are fitted with an electric brain so they move and roar,” said Penny Miller, Director of the Good Zoo. The dinosaurs at the Good Zoo this summer include a Stegosaurus, Edmontonia, Suchomimus, Amargasaurus and her baby and others. There is also a T-Rex that is non-robotic so visitors can sit on it and take their photo or video, but all other dinosaurs are robotic and move and roar.

Although most of the dinosaurs can be discovered in the woods near the Australian Exhibit a couple of the dinosaurs are located in other areas of the zoo.

“The Edmontonia has claimed the top of the wetlands waterfall as his prehistoric perch for the summer and the Suchomimus is located in the Wetlands,” added Miller. For a close up view of the Edmontonia Miller suggested a train ride but the creature can be seen and heard from the Wetlands.

Jillian Davis from Bethlehem stands next to the Stegosaurus dinosaur at the Good Zoo. Jillian was the winner of a contest to decide what color the Stegosaurus would be painted while it is on display at the Good Zoo.

The Stegosaurus is painted in a unique color design that was created by Jillian Davis of Bethlehem. “Jillian was the winner of our Design your own Stegosaurus Contest held earlier this year,” said Miller.

Miller said the entire zoo staff has been working with a paleontologist. “The staff is well-versed on the dinosaurs that are currently on exhibit and are prepared to pass on this information to all visitors,” said Miller. Paleontologists continue to find new dig sites and new dinosaur species, and advanced tools and new discoveries have led to new conclusions about dinosaurs. “Museums have had to change exhibits numerous times as paleontology forms a more accurate picture of dinosaurs,” said Miller.

Several special events and summer camps are planned at the Good Zoo this summer including a visit from “Dr. Dino” on July 12 and July 13. “The ‘Dr Dino’ events will allow visitors to touch real dinosaur bones and learn from an expert dinosaur hunter,” added Miller.

The zoo is currently open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission to the Good Zoo is $9.00 for adults; $5.75 for children ages 3-12; and Good Zoo members and ages 2 and under are admitted free. Lorikeet Landing and the train ride are open Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, weather permitting. The train ride is $2.25 per person and a cup of nectar to feed to the lorikeets is $1.00. Additional information on the Good Zoo can be found at www.oglebay-resort.com/goodzoo, including dinosaur-themed summer camps. The dinosaurs go extinct on Labor Day.

The Edmontonia has claimed the top of the wetlands waterfall at the Good Zoo at Oglebay as his prehistoric perch for the summer.

The dinosaurs are from Billings Productions, North America’s leading provider of life-size animatronic dinosaurs for zoos, museums and theme parks. According to their website at www.billingsproductions.com, the company aims to encourage discovery and create awareness of prehistoric life in both young and old by making learning fun and entertaining.

The beautiful Monarch butterfly is one of the species covered in the Master Naturalist program at the Good Zoo. The program is open to area residents interested in learning more about birds, trees, wildflower identification, and all manner of other nature topics.

Any area residents interested in learning more about birds, trees, wildflower identification, and all manner of other nature topics can sign up now for Master Naturalist classes beginning Saturday, February 22 at the Good Zoo and scheduled through mid May. Local columnist Dr Scott Shalaway will teach WV Birds. The four hour class discusses bird biology, identification and back-yard feeding. Popular returning instructor Dr Zac Loughman from West Liberty University will also teach that day, offering General Ecology, an introductory class to the Master Naturalist program. Names and Identification will be taught March 22 by zoo director Penny Miller, instructing students how to use field guides, internet resources, keys, and other resources to identify plants and animals seen in nature. Other spring classes include Creating Backyard Habitats March 2nd by Dr Candy DeBerry, and three additional classes taught by Loughman: Terrestrial Habitats; Aquatic Habitats; and Wetlands Habitats. Local expert Bill Beatty will teach Wildflowers and Weeds, and Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines. The first elective class A Tiny Tick Made Me Sick is about avoiding everything from poison ivy rashes, to snake bite while in the woods, taught by Penny Miller.

Students can pick and choose classes at their own pace and may take up to three years to complete the program, but it is possible to finish in one year. Classes cost just $6 per hour of instruction. Classes are held at the zoo on Saturdays and Sundays and often involve walks in the woods and occasional field trips to a farm pasture, wetlands or streams. The curriculum was developed by the West Virginia Division of Wildlife to develop citizen scientists and naturalists across the state.

There are 14 required classes such as Mammals; Trees; Wildflowers; Backyard Habitat Improvement, Insects, and 10 others, and a variety of electives to choose from including Box turtles; CSI: Citizen Science Investigator; Monarch Butterflies; Nature Photography; Invasive Species, and many more. Instructors include Good Zoo staff, West Virginia Division of Wildlife biologists and area college professors. Students are all nature lovers and represent a wide range of ages and backgrounds from college students, teachers, scout leaders, farmers, fisherman, to retired folks and nature photographers.

“Anyone of any age or background fits into the group, you just have to be a nature lover,” said Vickie Markey-Tekely, the zoo’s curator of education.

Student Daniel Caron said, “The program is a fun and interesting way to learn about nature. I enjoy the program’s interactive, hands-on format. The classes teach me to see something different every time I step outside. This has helped me when working in my own backyard and everywhere I travel.”

“This is our 11th year, and many of our students participate in several backyard bird projects, put up bluebird boxes, survey and report frog calls, raise and tag monarch butterflies, and improve their garden and property to attract wildlife,” said Penny Miller, zoo director. Others like to help out at state or zoo wildlife events, or pass on their knowledge to children. “I enjoy teaching my grandkids and neighbors about the monarch butterflies I rear and tag,” said certified Master Naturalist Carol Saseen.

For dates, times, and an application please visit the Master Naturalist section at www.oglebay-resort.com/goodzoo or call Vickie Markey-Tekely at 304-243-4033 or Penny Miller at 304-243-4027.

Twin golden lion tamarin monkeys born at the Good Zoo at Oglebay in September hold on to their father’s back. Golden lion tamarins from South America are classified as extremely endangered since it is estimated that only 1,500 remain in the wild.

Good Zoo staff today announced significant births, including twin golden lion tamarin monkeys, a first at the Good Zoo. “The twins were born on September 4, and both the mother and father demonstrated excellent parenting skills, carrying the babies on their backs,” said Manager of Animal Husbandry Mindi White. “These are first time parents, but mom ‘Carmen’ had participated in rearing babies in a tamarin group at another zoo, and they learn maternal skills through that observation,” she added. Golden lion tamarins are endangered primates from South America. The Good Zoo tamarins are part of a cooperative global breeding program among zoos across the U.S. “The wild population in Brazil has been severely impacted by deforestation with less than 5% of suitable habitat remaining. Golden lion tamarins are classified as extremely endangered; scientists estimate a wild population of only 1,500 tamarins left in the wild,” said Penny Miller, zoo director. Tamarins born in U.S. zoos have successfully been released in the wild for restocking efforts.

A Grevy’s Zebra was born at the Good Zoo in late September. Grevy Zebra populations are threatened by habitat lost, drought and climate change, and diseases and parasites transmitted by domestic livestock.

On September 29, zoo staff discovered a newborn Grevy’s zebra. The foal was up following the mother Samburu, and appears to be doing well. “Samburu had a foal here last year, too, and she is a great mom,” White said. Grevy’s zebra populations have plummeted in Kenya and Somalia; less than 2,000 individuals remain. Zebra populations are threatened by habitat lost, drought and climate change, and diseases and parasites transmitted by domestic livestock.

A baby 3-banded armadillo was born on September 16, and is currently not on display. This is the mother’s second offspring. Her baby from last year is a popular ambassador in the zoo’s education department. Three-banded armadillo is found in Brazil. It was recently chosen as the 2014 World Cup mascot, as the Brazilian government seeks to educate youth that this poorly known species is threatened with extinction. It was even believed to be extinct in the wild until it was rediscovered in 1988 in a handful of locations.

A 3-banded armadillo was born at the Good Zoo at Oglebay in September. This rare and endangered species, found in Brazil, was believed to be extinct in the wild until it was rediscovered in 1988 in a handful of locations.

“The zoo staff has worked hard with zoo colleagues around the country to develop the optimum conditions to breed these three rare species at the Good Zoo,” said Miller. “September was a banner month for us, and we hope the public will take advantage of the nice fall weather to come see the twin tamarin monkeys and the baby zebra,” she added.

The Good Zoo opens daily at 11:00 a.m. and admission is $9.00 for adults, $5.75 for ages 3-12, and free to members and ages 2 and under. Boo at the Zoo is October 11 through 13, October 18 through 20 and October 25 through 27 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. with early opening on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. Boo at the Zoo admission is $7.25 for non members, $5.25 for members. Boo admission is reduced by $1.00when purchased in advance in the zoo office 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, seven days a week. For more information or to purchase Boo at the Zoo tickets in advance call the Good Zoo office at 304-243-4100.

The Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater at Oglebay will host Wheeling Symphony’s Music Under the Stars on Sunday, September 2. The free performance is part of Oglebay’s Labor Day Weekend celebration and fireworks will follow the symphony’s concert.

An exciting Labor Day Weekend Celebration is planned at Oglebay on Saturday, August 31, Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2. “The most-anticipated event, Wheeling Symphony’s free performance, ‘Music Under the Stars’, will take place on Sunday,” said John Hargleroad, Director of Operations for the Wheeling Park Commission. The Suzuki Strings will perform at the amphitheater on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Wheeling Symphony’s performance at 7:30 p.m. A brilliant fireworks display will take place at the amphitheater at the conclusion of the symphony.

A Labor Day weekend favorite, “Fort Henry Days”, returns to Site One at Oglebay on Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both days. A battle reenactment will be held at Camp Russel at 3:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

The Oglebay Woodcarver’s Show, another long-time favorite Labor Day event, will be held at the Pine Room on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The show features sales, demonstrations and exhibits.

Hargleroad noted that there is no admission to the Wheeling Symphony performance, Fort Henry Days and the Woodcarver’s Show, although donations are appreciated at the Woodcarver’s Show.

Inflatable rides and a rock-climbing wall will be at the Schenk Lake area on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. each day. The inflatable rides start at $1.00 per ride and the rock wall is $5.00 for each climb.

Daily Activity Wristbands will be available at the Good Zoo and Visitors Center all three days. The wristbands provide all day use at the Par III Golf, Good Zoo and Train Ride, Miniature Golf, Pedal Boats, Fishing, Outdoor Pool, Tennis, Glass Museum, Trolley, and the Mansion Museum. The wristbands are $16.00 each plus applicable fees and taxes. One free ride on the inflatable rides is included with the purchase of a wristband.

The Labor Day Weekend is a great time to visit the Good Zoo at Oglebay to see the Dinosaur Exhibit before it goes extinct. The zoo will present “Dino Talk” on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, August 31-September 2, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

“The Labor Day Weekend is a great time to visit the Good Zoo and see the Dinosaur Exhibit before it goes extinct!” said Penny Miller, Director of the Good Zoo. This special exhibit includes five life-sized dinosaurs, one off-spring, and a nest of newly-hatched baby dinos. “The dinosaurs are fitted with an electric brain so they move and roar,” added Miller.

The zoo will present “Dino Talk” with the baby T-Rex on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The zoo opens daily at 10:00 a.m. and admission to the zoo is $9.00 for non-member adults and $5.75 for ages 3-12. Zoo members and ages 2 and under are free.

Wheeling native Dick Farley helped his family's two-year-old golden retriever, Sophie, learn to swim at last year’s Drool in the Pool canine swim at the Oglebay pool. Drool in the Pool returns this year to close out the Labor Day weekend activities on Monday, September 2 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Because it was so popular last year “Drool in the Pool” at the Oglebay Outdoor pool will return this year on Monday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. “Dogs, like humans, can enjoy the refreshing water and exercise a public pool provides and many areas across the country allow dogs to swim in a public pool after the pool season is over,” said Hargleroad. “We are excited to offer this special dog swim when the outdoor pool closes for the season on Monday at 4:00 p.m.” There is no admission to “Drool in the Pool” and all dogs participating in the swim must have proof of a current rabies vaccination, and one human, aged 16 and above, is permitted in the pool with one dog.

The Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of summer activities at Oglebay and John Hargleroad, Director of Operations, says that all the Oglebay facilities will be open beginning Friday, May 24 with some special activities planned for the Memorial Day weekend.

Aqua Cycles and pedal boats will be one of the many activities available at Schenk Lake at Oglebay during the Memorial Day weekend. Inflatable rides and Doozy the Clown will also be at the lake Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27.

“The always-popular inflatable rides will be at the Schenk Lake area on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Doozy the Clown will also be at the lake area all three days from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.,” said Hargleroad.

Oglebay will begin offering daily activity wristbands on Friday, May 24. The wristbands are available at the Good Zoo and Visitors Center through Labor Day and provide all day use at the Par III Golf, Good Zoo and Train Ride, Miniature Golf, Pedal Boats, Fishing, Outdoor Pool, Tennis, Glass Museum, Trolley, and the Mansion Museum. “The wristbands will also provide one admission to the inflatable rides this weekend,” reminded Hargleroad. The wristbands are $16.00 each plus applicable fees and taxes.

The Memorial Day Weekend is also a great time to catch up with old friends at the Good Zoo and check out what’s new including the Dinosaur exhibit. On Saturday, May 25, the zoo will hold “Dino Discussions,” from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

All animals will be on exhibit at the Good Zoo during the Memorial Day Weekend including the new mongoose lemurs. These highly endangered lemurs are now part of the Animal Encounters program that allow zoo guests to get into animal exhibits with the keepers to help feed and train some of the animals including the red pandas, river otters, kangaroos and ring-tailed lemurs. The special Dinosaur exhibit at the Good Zoo continues through Labor Day.

The zoo is also accepting entries for the second annual “Capture the Wild” photography contest. “We had a great response last summer to our photography contest and are looking forward to this year’s entries,” said Penny Miller, Director of the Good Zoo. “We’ll be awarding some great prizes!” Contest rules and entry forms are available on the zoo’s website at www.oglebay-resort.com/goodzoo.

Miller also added that the zoo’s Animal Encounters programs are getting more and more popular. “This program allows guests to get into animal exhibits with the keepers to help feed and train some of the zoo’s animals including the new mongoose lemurs,” said Miller. Animal Encounters also include the ring-tailed lemurs, red pandas, river otters and kangaroos. The encounters must be scheduled in advance by calling 304-243-4030.

The Good Zoo is open daily at 10 am. Admission is $9.00 for adults, $5.75 for ages 3-12, and ages 2 & under and members are free.

The popular Segway Tours have also returned for another season. “Join our friendly guides for an exciting tour on a high tech personal transporter,” said Hargleroad. “It’s a great way to experience the picturesque natural beauty of Oglebay.” The tours begin at Schenk Lake at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Reservations for Segway Tours can be made by calling 304-243-4090.

Beginning Memorial Day Weekend several special dining events will be offered at the Ihlenfeld Dining Room at Wilson Lodge including the Seafood Gala every Friday evening. Other new dining events planned for this summer are Linguini's Italian Trattoria every Wednesday, Platters Family Style every Thursday, and The Smokehouse featuring Prime Rib every Saturday. Call 304-243-4080 for reservations.

The Easy Street Band will present a free concert at the Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater on Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. “This performance is the beginning of the Summer Sunday Entertainment Series featuring a different band every Sunday through Labor Day at the amphitheater,” added Hargleroad. The entire summer’s schedule is available at www.oglebay-resort.com/summer_ent.htm.

“For those who want to celebrate the weekend with an all-American picnic, many beautiful picnic sites are available at Oglebay and can be reserved by calling 304-243-4010,” added Hargleroad.

The Seafood Gala is available at the Ihlenfeld Dining Room at Wilson Lodge on Friday evening and the new Smokehouse, featuring Prime Rib, is offered on Saturday evening. For dining reservations call 304-243-4080.